I am retired and in my late 50's. I live in a very small community in Texas. There aren't any welders in this area that can do small jobs i.e. Gate repairs, BBQ pit repairs, etc etc. I am considering opening a small shop and doing some of these jobs to try and keep busy as well as maybe make a couple more dollars here and there. I do own a small Hobart gas powered machine with an oxy/acet torch on a small 10ft trailer that I have used to do odd jobs and repairs around my place for several years. I have never had any formal training or possessed any certificates for welding. My father and grandfather were water well drillers for many years and I learned what knowledge I do have from them while I was growing up.

My question is, what would be the minimum requirements I would need to open this potential shop? As well what would you guys suggest as far as maybe carrying liability insurance and or being bonded?

The question of insurance for a small business is always a hot button topic. Two things drive insurance. First, will your customers require it? Second, how risk averse are you and what do you have in asserts that can be attached? I've run an aircraft repair business for almost 40 years on a part time basis with no insurance. The premium for product liability for what I do would exceed my gross receipts. So in my case it's accept the risk or close the business.

You may be able to control some of your liability by forming a corporation and do all the work in the corporate name. If you are risk averse, check with a lawyer. You should also check with your county to see if you need a business license, and the state to see if you need to collect sales tax.

I'd create an LLC to protect your personal assets. We did that with our horse barn, I think it cost about $3K including all the waivers, recording the change to the deed, etc. That way if someone sues and wins, they can only take the things in the LLC. I have no idea what welding insurance costs, but you might see if you can get some kind of an umbrella policy on your homeowner's policy. We have state farm, I know they cover home based businesses because my wife has one, but not sure about welding where your biggest liability is probably going to occur off your property if something breaks.

TxTaildragger wrote:I've started an LLC.........we build aircraft engines , lycoming etc...... We also do some welding here and there. Lawyers will always find a hole in paperwork, it's the world we live in......

The biggest problem in aviation is unless you are a repair station, you still have to sign as an individual with your A&P certificate. No way to get around that liability!